Everyone’s favorite red, white, and blue holiday has arrived, and patriots and summer fun lovers everywhere are getting ready to celebrate! “Safety” is truly the buzzword this Fourth of July. From fireworks to food handling and the need to socially distance, there’s plenty to think about when it comes to holiday safety. Consider these tips as you plan your best – and safest – Fourth of July celebration ever!
General Safety Tips
- The weather’s getting warm out there! Stay in the shade if you are able to. If not, wear loose, light-colored clothes, check on pets often to make sure the heat isn’t too much for them and don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Stay hydrated! Make sure children and pets have enough to drink, too. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine during the warmest parts of the day. Water is your best bet!
- It can be tempting to leave your kids or your pets in the car while you run into the store for last-minute necessities. But vehicles can climb to 120°F more quickly than you think, and that can end in tragedy. Leave the kids and pets at home when running to the store.
- We all want to spend time with our loved ones during this holiday. However, the best way to show someone you care is to wear a mask and practice social distancing. You can still have the best party while observing pandemic safety!
Grilling and Picnic Safety Tips
- Never grill indoors, including in the garage. Keep your grill at least two feet away from anything flammable, such as decks, overhangs, branches or siding.
- Check your grill hoses. They should be free of holes, cracks, and other damage.
- Don’t allow children near the grill.
- Never allow the grill to burn unsupervised. For safety, always stay with a lit grill.
- Don’t leave food in the sun. Instead, keep food items in a cooler with ice or freezer packs.
- Wash your hands before you handle food (and wash your hands frequently in general)!
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Do not put fireworks in your mouth. Do not handle fireworks when firing them. Do not point fireworks at yourself or anyone else.
- Do not attempt to take fireworks apart or modify them in any way. Don’t try to make your own fireworks.
- Make sure the area you want to set fireworks off in is fire resistant for safety. Only light them on the ground, not on another object. Do not set off fireworks in areas where they are prohibited.
- Don’t let children set off fireworks! Have a designated adult for lighting fireworks, and only light one firework at a time.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and water or a hose nearby in case of fires.
- If a firework doesn’t light or misfires, do not attempt to light it again. Soak it with water, then properly dispose of it.
- Follow all safety instructions on the packaging. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t shoot fireworks into trees, power lines or other overhead obstructions.
Happy Fourth of July from SafeTouch Security!
SafeTouch wants all our customers to stay safe all year round! Whether it’s the latest in home security systems or firing up the grill for hot dogs, we want you to live your best, safest life. Contact us today for more information on home security!